The best Catholicism books: Reddit reviews

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This is all wrong what you said and the explanation would require much time and it exceeds the limit of this subreddit.

What I strongly suggest you to do is read "The Case for Jesus: The Biblical and Historical Evidence for Christ" by Brant Pitre. This book will debunk everything you said and everything those "scholars" said. It's really amazing book and it will answer all you question and I recommend it highly. Please promise that you will read it.

well for one, christian persecution at the beginning is something of a myth - there were some persecutions, but they were isolated events.

there's this idea that the romans just hungrily wanted all the christians dead because they were christians. however, christians at the time WANTED to be martyred - it was preached by bishops as a noble thing, it was played up in christian literature, and whenever christians were arrested they did everything they could to not co-operate so they'd be executed. (for more info, read Candida Moss' "The Myth Of Persecution", and Catherine Nixey's "The Darkening Age")

if the romans were so giddy to execute, and the christians happy to be nixed, there would be no christianity today. there woulda been no christianity by the time of constantine, to be sure.

if you want to talk about a religion that's been persecuted and survived, try judaism. compared to that culture, christianity is a wimpy crybaby.

Turns out nothing has changed.

Almost all Christian martyrdom stories from early Christianity are false. Read all about it in this book book by Candida Moss.

I suggest the following books by former anti-Catholic Presbyterian Minister Catholic Convert Scott Hahn. Read them yourself then give them to your boyfriend and discuss them with him.

Rome Sweet Home: Our Journey to Catholicism by Scott Hahn

And

Hail, Holy Queen: The Mother of God in the Word of God

Rome Sweet Home by Kimberly and Scott Hahn is a good read and a compelling conversion story for someone with the questions you have. It's a pretty easy, fast, and enjoyable read.

I'm gay and I've had no problem reconciling my faith with my sexual orientation from the time I was 14/15.

The most important thing in my mind is acknowledging that historical context impacts the way the Bible should be interpreted. The word "homosexuality" wasn't in the Bible until the twentieth century. Verses that have been used to condemn all same-sex sexual activity are surrounded by verses that would seem to approve of slavery, if taken at face value.

Jesus, in reference to Christian teaching, says that a good tree cannot bear bad fruit. If teaching is sound, it will not result in the harm of those impacted it. This hasn't been the case with the conservative teaching on homosexuality. The church needs to act in a way consistent with the idea that "perfect love casts out fear."

There's a lot that can (and has) been said about this topic. I'd encourage you to grapple with it yourself, but to never forget that God loves all of their children. Also, if you haven't read them, God and the Gay Christian by Matthew Vines and Torn by Justin Lee are great books on this topic.

Warmest of wishes, friend.

Om du verkligen vill prata med dom här kanske den här boken kan hjälpa. Annars är det väl bara att acceptera att alla människor inte har den bästa informationsdieten (men dom vara bra och älskvärda människor för det).

Have you read Rome Sweet Home: Our Journey to Catholicism by Scott Hahn ?

Scott Hahn and his wife were Presbyterian Ministers and Anti-Catholic Apologists that Converted. Many converts I know have spoken highly about him. I was born Catholic but I was away for over 24 years before the Lord called me back home 2 years ago. God bless you and we welcome you.

I'd recommend the recent book by Edward Feser and Joseph Bessette, By Man Shall His Blood Be Shed, a historical and philosophical defense of the traditional Catholic view on capital punishment.

You should read the Catechism of the Catholic Church and Catholicism by McBrien, it will be incredibly hard to unpack Catholic tradition and theology from just the Bible itself.

That's an acceptable view, but not one that is consistent with the tradition of the Catholic Church on the subject. Check out this book for more information:

https://www.amazon.com/Man-Shall-His-Blood-Shed/dp/1621641260

He also has a website with many articles written on the subject that you can read for free.

If he wants something easier to read, I'd recommend The Case for Jesus: The Biblical and Historical Evidence for Christ by Brant Pitre. There's also audio recording for this subject matter from him and I believe it brings up C.S. Lewis's Trilemma (Lord, Liar, Lunatic). Afterwards, I'd suggest Brant Pitre's other books because he has a number of books that show how the Jewish Roots and Old Testament writings find its fulfillment in the New. If he wants to get deeper into it there's also a textbook sized Catholic Intro to Old Testament book from Brant Pitre and John Bergsma

​

Dr. Brant Pitre answers the following in the book:

• Were the four Gospels really anonymous?

• Are the Gospels folklore? Or are they biographies?

• Were the four Gospels written too late to be reliable?

• What about the so-called “Lost Gospels,” such as “Q” and the Gospel of Thomas?

• Did Jesus claim to be God?

• Is Jesus divine in all four Gospels? Or only in John?

• Did Jesus fulfill the Jewish prophecies of the Messiah?

• Why was Jesus crucified?

• What is the evidence for the Resurrection?

​

“This book will prove to be a most effective weapon… against the debunking and skeptical attitudes toward the Gospels that are so prevalent, not only in academe, but also on the street, among young people who, sadly, are leaving the Churches in droves.” – Robert Barron, author of Catholicism

HAVE THEM READ THE BOOK GOD AND THE GAY CHRISTIAN. IT'S A GREAT WAY TO GET THEM TO REALIZE HOMOSEXUALITY ISN'T AS INCOMPATIBLE WITH CHRISTIANITY, PARTICULARLY THE NEW TESTAMENT/COVENANT, AS PEOPLE THINK. IF THEY'RE WILLING TO PUT IN THE TIME TO VOICE THEIR OPINION TO YOU, THEY MAY BE WILLING TO PUT IN A LITTLE MORE TIME TO REALLY CHECK OUT THE SUBJECT.

I have seen the movie years ago. Simply put, the movie is a lie. It cites nothing but lies and it's incredible how someone can believe that movie to be true.

When it comes to Tacitus and Josephus it is generally accepted by scholars that they mentioned Jesus and the Crucifixion. Yes there might be some part of it that has undergone some interpolation but no scholar doubts the authenticity of fact that they do mention Jesus and the Crucifixion. That being said there also many more ancient authors who mentioned Jesus, Christians, Crucifixion, Christian practices, etc. and no one doubts their authenticity.

When someone really understands the history behind New Testament then there is really no need for all the ancient historians and writers because this alone will be sufficient to make a case.

When it comes to similarity between Jesus and other pagan gods I can only say that in that movie they lied about those gods. There are great video that compare Jesus and different gods. I haven't seen every video from this playlist but from the few videos there I concluded that it is good so have a look.

Brant Pitre. Have a look here.

> A Catholic “Mere Christianity”?

Trent Horn's book "Why We're Catholic" is pretty thin and basic, but it hits the right topics for agnostics/atheists/skeptics. At least it could be a starting point :

https://smile.amazon.com/Why-Were-Catholic-Reasons-Faith/dp/1683570243/ref=sr_1_1

I'm no expert at all in this area, but as a pure layman I thought Brant Pitre made a strong case for something along the lines of the Augustinian hypothesis in:

The Case for Jesus: The Biblical and Historical Evidence for Christ: Pitre, Brant, Barron, Robert: 9780770435486: Amazon.com: Books

As far as I recall (been a while since reading it), Pitre argues Matthew first based on the early church fathers saying that is the case. He does not commit to which of Mark and Luke is second/third, but again relying on the church fathers argues that Mark is John Mark and wrote his gospel based on oral stories from Peter (and presumably also with access to Matthew), and Luke used Matthew (and maybe Mark?) as a source. He also makes an interesting comment that one source claims 2 Corinthians 8:18 (we are sending the brother of whom the praise in the gospel [is] throughout all the churches) is referring to Luke. That would make sense to me, since Luke was Paul's traveling companion, and as there seem to have been a lot of "famous" preachers known to the Galatians (see 1 Corinthians, first chapter) saying the brother is a good preacher would not be much of an identification. But, if "gospel" refers to a written gospel in that passage then it might make sense that would be sufficient identification, as likely only one traveling companion of Paul had written a gospel.

Ufff you have to get your friend a copy (in either digital or print) of Trent Horn's Why We're Catholic. It's the most beautiful short exposition of what we Catholics believe and why. It has everything from why we believe to God exists, to why we believe in Jesus and the Bible, to why we believe in the sanctity of life. It's just awesome, if even advise you to give it a read yourself, it's pretty well written. After reading it myself I gave it as a gift to a protestant friend of mine and she finished it in a single sitting.

>Any quick TLDR for the point why the Bible is reliable to get my head in the right space?

For a Catholic take, you could start by listening to some of Brant Pitre's discussions of this, e.g. here (there are others online, this is just one I was able to find quickly). I'd highly recommend his book as a follow up. It's not lengthy nor is it a difficult read.

I am so sorry this happened. It is not ever easy to identify or find a way to change the system.

I do believe both/all students need to be involved in the conversations as generally the broader the "us" the better the outcome when dealing with aggressors/violent individuals acting out in a relatively closed community.

Good book to address any difficult topic: How to Have Impossible Conversations. https://www.amazon.com/How-Have-Impossible-Conversations-Practical/dp/0738285323

Please keep us updated.

What are you converting from? What are some of the things that serve as stumbling blocks to your conversion?

For a generic recommendation for you or anyone I'd recommend "The Case For Jesus" by Brant Pitre. https://www.amazon.com/Case-Jesus-Biblical-Historical-Evidence/dp/0770435483

It is pretty quick/easy read but provides good information on the historical perspective of the Bible and specifically on the Gospels and life of Jesus. It is a nice counter to most of the nonsense historical-critical nonsense that we always hear which casts doubt on the authenticity and trustworthiness of the Gospels.

Check out "How to Have Impossible Conversations".

You can care for somebody who isn't reasonable, up to a point. Depending on her willingness to have fair discussions, it may be best to simply not discuss religion/politics and stick to other subjects.

This book is worth the read: https://www.amazon.com/God-Gay-Christian-Biblical-Relationships/dp/160142518X

From what I've seen, many who still affirm the Bible's validity and affirm a gay lifestyle denounce the clobber passages as mistranslated and not referring to the kind of gay relationships we see today (monogamous, committed, loving). Most argue Biblical passages are referring to pedophilia, rape, and hyper sexual (guys would have sex with other guys out of extreme lust outside marriage) relationships.

Have you read "Rome Sweet Home" by Scott and Kimberly Hahn? It is their conversion story. Both staunch anti-Catholics, Scott came to the faith first and made a promise to Kimberly that he would wait five years before coming into the Church. Instead, he knew he had to come in earlier and it cause big problems in their marriage. Also, Dr. David Anders, "The Catholic Church Saved my Marriage." Both may help you.

While you have to handle this on your own and it feels as if you are alone, you're not. Our Lord is right beside you and so are we -- holding you up in prayer to our Lord. I'll add you, your wife and your family to my prayers. Stay strong and trust in the Lord.

edit: added links to the suggest books

Conversion starts with the heart so you’ve taken the biggest step. While you wait for an answer you could always begin by:

1) Attending mass: https://mass-online.org

2) Learning the rosary. Learning about the awesome Marian Apparitions like Fatima, Our Lady of Lourdes, Our Lady of Guadalupe. You can also read about the miracles of the Rosary (google Rosary Miracles)

3) Catechism Book to help you learn about the beliefs

Catechism of the Catholic Church: Second Edition https://www.amazon.com/dp/0385508190/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_-A3nFbAQZDVQR

4) Read about Saints like a Padre Pio.

5) Contact other nearby church

Read the book “How To Have Impossible Conversations” by Peter Boghossian. Don’t convince them. Instead, gently challenge their epistemology.

You should also check out someone named Anthony Magnabosco on youtube.

If you have anymore questions feel free to contact me or ask here.

How to Have Impossible Conversations: A Very Practical Guide https://www.amazon.com/dp/0738285323/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_5a3cFbET55Y4G

i've had many versions, probably all of the most popular ones. (people like to give converts catechisms for some reason!) i like the baltimore catechism but overall (ease of reading, convenience, size, etc.) this was my preferred one: https://www.amazon.com/Catechism-Catholic-Church-Second-U-S/dp/0385508190

The vatican website also has the catechism online so that's an option as well

Yes, I went to Catholic K-12. I can explain 95% of my beliefs at a moment's notice, if people ask. I also must ask if you've heard of this book?

If you have the time you should read this book called God and the Gay Christian, by Matthew Vines.

Link

It's full of gay-affirming arguments and most of them are based on scripture or interpretations of it. Wish I'd known about it when I was figuring everything out!

Literally the entire Christian experience😅

Here, some people who spent their lives dealing with those:

https://www.amazon.com/Complete-Ante-Nicene-Post-Nicene-Fathers-Collection-ebook/dp/B00KYBSUUM/

One book you may want to check out is by Catholic Biblical scholar Dr Brant Pitre.

The Case for Jesus: The Biblical and Historical Evidence for Christ https://www.amazon.com/dp/0770435483/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_FW43CJ4MD1J5AD50EQ6C

Also, you can hear/watch him debunk the unfounded and comical claim that the Gospels were originally written by anonymous authors (something Ehrman preaches). He also goes into this in his book above, among other aspects.

Were the Gospels Really Anonymous https://youtu.be/dwGC3hoowAQ